Ever rubbed her jaw. She grinned, a challenge barely concealed in her expression.

“Cut it out, Ever,” Knox said. “Think about James.”

“She should think about him?” I asked, my voice shrill. “What about you? You’re supposed to be his friend.”

“I am his friend,” Knox said, injury evident in his tone.

“Then why did you leave him there? There must be a dozen boys in that cabin now. James doesn’t stand a chance against all of them.” My voice broke as I thought about what was probably happening, and tears contradicted any strength I thought I had inside of me.

“Leath,” Knox said. He gently but awkwardly patted me on my back. “Those were Fringers. They went to the cabin to get James out of there. They’re probably halfway home by now.”

“Then what are we doing way out here? Take me to him,” I demanded.

“I can’t,” Knox said. He turned away, avoiding my gaze.

I stepped closer, pulling him to face me. “Why not?”

“Because the Fringers only agreed to help James if we took you out of Judaculla,” Ever said.

I glared at her, a silent warning I was only too happy to punch her again.

She smirked, dismissing any threat I might pose.

“You did this,” I accused. “You just can’t stand that I came here to be with him.”

“I’m the one who made the deal, not Ever,” Knox said.

“Pick up the pace…” a man’s deep voice carried through the trees.

“For once, why don’t you put his needs above your own?” Ever hissed.

“For once, why don’t you just stay out of it?” I spat.

“No time for this,” Knox said. His worried tone told me that whoever was following us through the woods was not a Fringer. Knox grabbed my hand and broke into a run, pulling me deeper into the forest. Branches slapped my face. I felt the sting of tiny cuts as I stumbled along, trying to keep up with him.

“She can run faster if you let go of her hand,” Ever called.

Knox released me, taking the lead. If I thought I had any chance of finding James on my own, I would have taken the opportunity to bolt off this path and away from them. But I felt certain Ever would stop me. Without warning, the trail ended. I found myself on the edge of a clearing, once again in the salmon-colored rose garden. The golden petals glistened under a full moon that had climbed to its proper place in the sky. I bent to catch my breath, hoping my heart would stay inside my chest.

“You got it from here?” Knox asked, barely winded.

“No problem,” Ever said.

“I’ll lead them away,” Knox said. “Be safe, Leath.” After he shot me a smile, he sprinted back down the path that brought us here.